If you’re wondering how addictive meth is, the answer boils down to the reality that no level of use is safe. Meth is a potent central nervous system stimulant that causes severe short-term and long-term negative effects, and those who use it often become addicted quickly. If you or a loved one is living with meth use disorder, get help right away.
The caring team at Ray Recovery is standing by to answer your questions, tell you more about our Hudson, Ohio, program for meth addiction treatment, or make a referral. Call us at 888.598.6299 or send us a message online.
Is Meth Addictive?
The unfortunate reality is that meth is one of the most addictive substances available on the streets today. It can be snorted, smoked, injected, or eaten, and while the different methods yield slightly different felt effects, all are equally damaging. While meth was originally developed and marketed as a prescription for weight loss and decongestion, it’s been a Schedule II Controlled Substance for over 50 years. This is because using it even a single time can lead to addiction and, ultimately, death.
What makes meth so addictive? It triggers an enormous rush of the natural brain chemical dopamine, which is linked to the capacity to feel pleasure, motivation, and a sense of reward. This vital chemical is, in fact, involved in many core functions, including learning, memory, and physical movement. While high on meth, feelings of euphoria, alertness, and boundless energy are common. A person using meth can easily become addicted to the heightened sensations it brings on and experience intense cravings.
Moreover, even from the first use, it’s common to take meth in binge form, dosing every few hours for a period of several days in order to keep a high going and avoid the inevitable “crash.” The crash, which essentially reflects going into acute withdrawal, often includes anxiety, insomnia, depression, fatigue, and the inability to feel happy. Because this is so unpleasant, many people look to obtain their next dose of meth very shortly after their last binge, leading to cyclic use patterns.
Sadly, meth is also often an affordable and relatively easy-to-come-by street drug meaning those living with addiction can get their hands on it all too readily. Finally, the drug is tolerance-forming, meaning those who use it need more and more to achieve the same highs over time, increasing their risk of overdose.
What Are the Effects of Meth Addiction?
Short term, meth causes appetite suppression and insomnia. These, in turn, can produce the following:
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Extreme anger
- Violent thoughts and behavior directed at oneself or others
Meth is also highly acidic and is often mixed with other dangerous substances. This makes it caustic to the teeth and gums. The infamous condition, “meth mouth,” is caused by this reality, along with the fact that the muscle tension and anxiety the drug produces also leads those who use it to grind their teeth and neglect oral hygiene.
Longer term, meth users experience an increased risk of:
- Heart attack
- Brain damage
- High blood pressure
- Parkinson’s Disease
Social and practical impacts of meth use over time also include homelessness, severe financial problems, and loss of healthy relationships.
Learn More and Begin Effective Meth Addiction Treatment by Contacting Ray Recovery Today
Fortunately, with qualified treatment, it’s possible to recover from meth addiction and return to healthy functioning. By committing to getting sober and taking advantage of treatments like clinical detox, individual therapy addressing your triggers to use, and support groups fostering accountability and community, you can put meth dependence behind you for good.
At Ray Recovery, we’re dedicated to your lasting success in living free from addiction. We understand that mental and physical health are profoundly linked and will always strive to provide comprehensive care that meets your dynamic needs. For details about our effective Hudson, Ohio, treatment program for meth addiction, call 888.598.6299 or contact us online.
